Macallan Aurora

The newest addition to the "less-than-stellar" Macallan Quest Collection for travel retail is this "Aurora," named after the sunrise observed daily at the new Macallan distillery. Bottled at 40% ABV, with a tawny hue. On the nose, abundant orange aromas. A very appealing note of orange/tangerine cheap hard candy is present. Sawdust and crushed cola notes are also detected. After the initial sip, the aroma shifts to sweet popcorn, butterscotch, and vanilla-scented candles. On the palate, it is exceptionally smooth. Again, the tangerine candy note, similar to what you'd find in 1990s kids' piñatas. Mild spices and peach syrup are also present. The finish is spicy and fruity, with notes of oranges, Crazy Dips candy, aniseed, clove, spearmint, and sawdust. Overall, this doesn't resemble a typical Macallan and lacks the usual toffee/chocolate/nutty characteristics. Nevertheless, it serves as a highly drinkable everyday whisky with abundant citrus profiles. A solid dram, earning a score of 87 out of 100.

Oaky, with a cigar note.